Greg Landry, a former NFL quarterback and assistant coach, passed away at 77. He played the majority of his career with the Detroit Lions and was known as one of the top running quarterbacks in the league.
Greg Landry, a former NFL quarterback and assistant coach, died Friday at the age of 77. No official cause of death was released.
Landry, a native of Rockdale, Texas, played college football at UMass, where he led the team in both rushing and scoring for two seasons and helped the university win two Yankee Conference Bean Pot titles. He was inducted into the UMass Athletics Hall of Fame in 1980.
Remembering Greg Landry: NFL Quarterback and Coach Leaves Lasting Legacy
Landry was drafted by the Detroit Lions with the No. 11 overall pick in the 1968 NFL Draft. He played for the Lions from 1968 to 1978, earning a reputation as one of the league's most dangerous running quarterbacks. He rushed for 2,600 yards and 21 touchdowns during his career, in addition to passing for 16,052 yards and 98 touchdowns.
Landry was named the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year in 1976 after leading the Lions to a 7-7 record, a significant improvement over their 2-12 record the previous season.
Remembering Greg Landry: NFL Quarterback and Coach Leaves Lasting Legacy
After leaving the Lions, Landry played three more seasons for the Colts and then moved on to the USFL. He returned to the NFL in 1984, spending one more season with the Chicago Bears before officially retiring.
Landry also had a successful coaching career. He returned to the Lions as an assistant coach in 1995 and was the Bears' offensive coordinator when they won the Super Bowl in 1986.
Remembering Greg Landry: NFL Quarterback and Coach Leaves Lasting Legacy
In addition to his NFL career, Landry was also a prominent figure in the USFL. He played for the Boston Breakers and served as the league's Commissioner from 1985 to 1989.
Landry was known for his toughness and leadership on and off the field. He was a respected figure in the NFL community and his legacy will continue to inspire generations of players and coaches.
The Detroit Lions released a statement mourning the loss of Landry, saying, "We join the NFL community in mourning the loss of former Lions quarterback and coach Greg Landry."
Landry is survived by his wife, Judy, and three children.
